Matt Kean slams NSW Liberals for choosing ‘junior former staffer’ over Roads Minister Natalie Ward
The fall out from the NSW Liberals’ latest preselection furore has taken a sensational turn with Treasurer Matt Kean engaging in a war of words with his own party.
NSW
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Treasurer Matt Kean has slammed his own party for refusing to preselect more women into parliament and vowed to campaign to change the rules that keep women from senior cabinet positions.
Mr Kean said he was “devastated” after Roads and Women’s Safety Minister Natalie Ward lost preselection for the safe seat of Davidson to “junior staffer” Matt Cross.
Mr Kean also called for the preselection for Pittwater to be reopened to allow Claire Longley to contest. Ms Longley is the daughter of former Pittwater MP Jim Longley.
“I am devastated about the results, I mean, I thought that a smart, talented senior female Minister would trump a former junior staffer every day of the week,” he said.
Ms Ward was looking to jump into the lower house after Speaker of the House Jonathan O’Dea announced his retirement at the next election.
Ms Ward lost to Mr Cross — who is a long-time Liberal staffer — by 10 votes.
Mr Kean said he will campaign to change party rules to allow upper house MPs to contest for leadership positions including as Deputy Leader.
“It’s clear that the branch membership is not reflecting the community. The community sent a very strong message not only to the Liberal Party but to all political parties that they want to see more diversity,” he said.
“I‘d like to see the situation immediately change whereby members of the Legislative Council are now able to contest leadership positions in the party, including deputy leadership.”
Mr Kean also slammed Mr Cross for chasing “fantasies” after the new candidate appealed to branch members by pushing for nuclear power.
“People can chase all kinds of fantasies … what this government is focused on is ensuring we have energy policies that support prices being lowered right now.”
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